Capital Project Manager

The Capital Project Manager is responsible for the financial control, planning, and management of all capital expenditure projects related to the design, construction, and fit-out of WHSmith's new and refurbished retail units in aviation and casinos. This role involves working closely with Design, Construction, and Procurement teams to ensure projects are delivered within budget, maximizing value, and adhering to strict airport operational constraints and timelines.

About Us

WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with over 1,700 stores across 30 countries worldwide. WHSmith North America, represents over half of the Company’s international store estate, with a collection of attractive, successful specialty retail stores located in airports and resorts across North America.

Location: Support Center, 6600 S Bermuda Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Schedule: Monday – Friday, Weekends as needed, 40 - 50 hours per week

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Employee Discount
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Flex Time Off
• Disability Insurance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) with company match

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Establish and maintain detailed project budgets, working with specialists and providing accurate cost estimates (concept to final design) for construction, fit-out, and fixed assets.
• Conduct comprehensive cost planning and financial feasibility studies for all potential retail unit locations in compliance with airport specific requirements.
• Manage forecasting and reporting project expenditures, identifying potential variances and implementing corrective actions proactively.
• Analyze historical data to provide benchmark cost-per-square-foot placeholder estimates to Finance for initial high-level P&L analysis.
• Develop detailed cost models for use in accurate estimation and value engineering activities.

Cost Control and Value Manager

• Implement robust cost control systems and processes to track actual expenditure against approved budgets from estimate to final account.
• Lead and support on value engineering (VE) initiatives by providing clear cost breakdowns and challenging specifications and construction methodologies to achieve cost savings without compromising design quality or functionality.
• Manage directly and/or support the project manager to negotiate variations, change orders, and final accounts with contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Prepare and present detailed financial project reports and cost summaries to senior management and project stakeholders.
• Process all cost functions through the approved Enterprise Cost Management System [ACONEX at time of writing] including submission of and inputting contract data and documentation.
• Drive the change management process through the cost management systems.
• Support the project manager in the successful delivery of projects.

Tendering and Procurement Support

• Support and/or Lead on Category Procurement Management activity ensuring clear RFIs and RFQs Negotiate and manage supplier contracts and pricing agreements to secure best value, ensure supply continuity and compliance.
• Benchmark current material specifications and supplier performance internally and externally to drive continuous improvement
• Proactively challenge internal stakeholder specifications to identify and eliminate over-engineered or inefficient items
• Manage the purchasing process for bulk stock and specialized equipment, balancing supply constraints with material requirements.
• Develop and manage tender documentation (Bills of Quantities, Scope of Works) for main contractors and specialist trades.
• Assist and sometimes lead on Procurement with the financial evaluation of tender submissions and contract negotiations to ensure best commercial terms.
• Benchmark costs against industry standards and previous projects, specifically within the airport/retail sector.

Administration and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all internal financial controls, corporate governance, and airport-specific financial/contractual regulations.
• Oversee contract administration duties, ensuring accurate and timely payment certification and cash flow management.

Qualifications

• Desirable - BS degree in Business Management, Supply Chain, Construction, Civil Engineering, or equivalent related qualification/certification or working towards.
• More than 5 years of Cost & Purchasing experience with analytical abilities and skills to conduct analysis on RFI/RFQ/Industries/Markets preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and presentations skills.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, and Power Point) and ERP systems.
• Must be organized and able to manage time well, handling multiple tasks and projects.

EEO/ADA/DFWP

WH Smith is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin/ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, military/veteran status, marital status, disability status or any other basis prohibited by law. It is about each person bringing passion and skills to a dynamic and inclusive workplace!